The mall buzzed with activity around them—shoppers rushing past, children laughing, the distant hum of escalators and chatter. But for Kaito, Hikari, and Yuki, the world had narrowed to one small, energetic middle schooler.
Mei walked backward in front of them, somehow navigating the crowd without collision, her eyes sparkling with mischievous delight.
"So!" She clapped her hands. "You want to know what my perfect, ice-princess sister actually likes? The stuff she'd never admit to anyone?"
Yuki nodded eagerly. Hikari leaned forward slightly. Even Kaito's attention sharpened.
Mei grinned. "Okay, here's the truth: Riko is cold on the outside—like, freezer cold. But inside?" She tapped her chest. "Soft. Like, embarrassingly soft."
She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "She loves cute things. Stuffed animals. Kawaii stationery. Anything soft and adorable. But she'd never buy them for herself because she thinks it doesn't fit her 'image'."
Yuki gasped. "Our Riko? The perfect council princess? Loves cute stuff?"
"Obsessed," Mei confirmed. "She has a collection of stuffed animals from elementary school—gifts from classmates back then. They're old now. Worn out. But she's never replaced them. Won't throw them away. They're on a shelf in her room where she thinks no one notices."
Hikari's expression softened almost imperceptibly.
Kaito filed the information away. Sentimental. Values memories over newness. Hidden softness.
Mei continued, her voice warming. "Here's the thing about Riko: she'll act annoyed if you give her something. She'll say it's unnecessary or illogical. But later? She'll treasure it. Forever. She keeps everything anyone has ever given her."
She paused, looking at each of them in turn. "That's why I'm glad she found you. She's never had real friends before. Just... acquaintances. Strategic alliances. But she talks about you differently. Especially—" her eyes flicked to Kaito briefly "—some people."
Kaito's expression remained neutral, but something shifted.
Yuki grabbed Mei's shoulders. "Tell us EVERYTHING."
---
They wandered through the mall for another hour, Mei leading them past stores while sharing stories. Riko's embarrassing moments. Riko's hidden habits. Riko's terrible singing voice when she thought no one was listening. Riko's secret stash of sweet treats.
By the time they reached the food court, their stomachs were growling and their heads were spinning with information.
"Lunch break!" Yuki declared, collapsing into a chair. "I need food before I pass out."
They found a ramen shop nearby—warm, inviting, smelling of broth and comfort. Bowls were ordered. Chopsticks were raised.
For a few minutes, they ate in comfortable silence. The kind of silence that doesn't need filling.
Then Mei spoke again, softer now. "Thank you."
They looked up.
She wasn't smiling mischievously anymore. Her expression was open. Grateful. A little emotional.
"Thank you for being her friends." She gripped her chopsticks tighter. "Riko's always been... alone. Even when people surrounded her, she was alone. She pretended it didn't bother her. But I could tell." She blinked rapidly. "When she came home yesterday, smiling—actually smiling—I almost cried. I've never seen her like that."
Yuki reached across and squeezed her hand. Hikari nodded quietly. Kaito simply watched, but his gaze held something warmer than usual.
"She's lucky," Mei continued. "And so am I. Knowing she has people who see past the ice." She took a breath, composing herself. "Anyway! Enough sappiness! You have gifts to buy!"
The mood lifted. They finished their ramen, paid, and stepped back into the mall.
---
The afternoon passed in focused shopping. Splitting up. Reconvening. Whispered consultations. Mei offering final tips before disappearing with a wink.
"I have my own gift to buy!" she called. "But I'll see you Saturday! Don't tell Riko we met!"
She vanished into the crowd.
The three friends exchanged glances. Then, with renewed purpose, they made their final purchases.
Each gift was chosen carefully. Thoughtfully. Perfectly.
By the time they regrouped at the exit, the sun was setting, painting the mall's glass walls in gold.
"Ready?" Yuki asked.
Hikari nodded, clutching a small bag.
Kaito adjusted his own package. "Ready."
They walked out together, the weight of their mission complete. Saturday was coming. And Riko Aoyama had no idea what was waiting for her.
(End of Chapter 64)